FAFS' NJ Foster Adoptive Parent & Kinship Caregiver Fact Sheets:
Benefits, Rules, Guidelines and Other Useful Information
Do you have questions about your responsibilities as a NJ foster parent? Have you adopted a child from DCP&P (formerly DYFS) in NJ? Are you a kinship caregiver or relative caregiver (sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend) who is taking care of your family member's or friend's child? Have you heard about benefits that may be available to you but are unsure what they are and how to get them? FAFS' NJ foster care fact sheets, adoptive parent fact sheets and NJ kinship care fact sheets can help.
NOTE: Click this link for additional information on Kinship Care in NJ
Adoption Tax Credit Information
The adoption tax credit offsets qualified adoption expenses, making adoption possible for some families who could not otherwise afford it. Taxpayers who adopt a child may qualify for an enhanced adoption tax credit. Download the Adoption Tax Credit Information Fact Sheet
Babysitting for Children in Foster Care Placement- For Foster Parents and Licensed Kinship Caregivers (Relative Caregivers) in New Jersey
This simplified version of the DCP&P (formerly DYFS) Resource Family Babysitting Protocol will help you, the foster parent or licensed kinship caregiver, understand who is allowed to babysit the child(ren) in your care. This fact sheet lists guidelines for hiring a babysitter and for reimbursement of babysitting expenses. Download the Babysitting for Children in Foster Care Placement Fact Sheet
Flex Funds - For Licensed NJ Foster Parents & Kinship Caregivers (Relative Caregivers)
Flex Funds are sometimes available to licensed foster & adoptive parents and licensed kinship caregivers through DCP&P (formerly DYFS). When available, Flex Funds can be used to meet a one-time expense or a temporary need, such as prom bids or tutoring. If Flex Funds are not available, FAFS' Fostering Wishes For Children can help pay for these expenses for NJ children in foster & kinship care. To learn how to access Flex Funds and what they can, and cannot, be used for, download the Flex Funds Fact Sheet
Planned Vacation and Other Travel - For Licensed NJ Foster Parents & Kinship Caregivers(Relative Caregivers)
If you're a New Jersey foster parent or kinship caregiver wondering if you can take the child(ren) in your home on vacation, or if you need respite care for a child in care while you're away, download the Planned Vacation and Other Travel Fact Sheet to get the answers and help you need.
When the Phone Rings - For NJ Foster & FostAdopt Parents
When DCP&P (formerly DYFS) calls your home asking you to take in a child, you may feel many emotions: excited to welcome a child who needs you; anxious to make the child feel comfortable and safe; doubtful that you will be able to give the child the care he/she needs; concerned about how the child will fit into your family. To help you make the decision that's right for you and your family, and ultimately, right for the child coming into care, FAFS has developed a list of questions to ask When the Phone Rings and DCP&P is on the other end asking you to take in a child. Download the When the Phone Rings Fact Sheet
Universal Precautions - For NJ Foster & Adoptive Parents & NJ Licensed Kinship Caregivers
When caring for a child sick with a disease like HIV or Hepatitis B & C, it is important to take proper steps to shield yourself from disease. To learn more about protecting yourself and your family while providing proper care to your foster adopted or kinship child with special medical needs download the Universal Precautions Fact Sheet.
Have a question not addressed by FAFS' Fact Sheets? Need more information? Call our toll-free Hotline: 1.800.222.0047 or email Support Services.
